The sky over Srinagar was painted in hues of gold and crimson as the sun began to set. The gentle breeze carried the scent of apple blossoms from their family orchard, mingling with the bittersweet emotions in the air. Yara stood in the courtyard, her suitcase resting beside her. The day she had both anticipated and dreaded had arrived.

Her father, Sikander Ahmed, stood a few steps away, his face calm but his eyes betraying the sadness he felt. Her elder brother, Yahya, leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed as he watched his younger sister prepare to leave.